Things You Need To Know About The Exotic Shorthair Cat

Cats have been one of mankind's most treasured companions throughout history. They are known as playful and loving pets. The exotic shorthair is a recent cat breed that has been increasingly popular among cat owners everywhere. The breed originated in the United States during the early 1950's. The breed was formally recognized during the 1960's. It is a cross between the Persian cat breed and the American Shorthair. Other crosses between Persians and Shorthair cat breeds like the British Shorthair are also considered by some as Exotic shorthair cats. Due to it's long-haired Persian heritage, there is a one in four chance that a longhair will result from breeding two Exotic Shorthairs.

The breed has a distinct appearance that sets it apart from its Persian and American Shorthair forebears. The Exotic cat has a large, almost massive head. Its face is flattened, with full cheeks and a pug-like nose. A strong chin and broad, powerful jaws give the cat a distinct look. It has widely spaced ears and large, round eyes. Eye color is dependent on coat color; blue eyes are common in blue and white varieties, green is the norm for chinchilla-coated specimens and golden is the most common among the other varieties. The exotic shorthair exhibits similar coloration found in Persian breeds, though they have shorter and more erect hairs. Their coat hair is slightly longer than the American and British Shorthair breeds. They are medium-sized, well-muscled cats with massive chests and broad shoulders. The breed has a short and thick tail. This cute and cuddly appearance makes The Exotic shorthair cat is a favorite among enthusiasts and regular owners alike.

The breed is known to be affectionate and loyal. The exotic shorthair is quick to bond with its owner. They are naturally curious and playful though they tend to be less rambunctious than their Persian ancestors. This makes them good lap cats, perfect for people living in apartments. The cat is friendly to other people as well as towards other cats and even dogs. Their dense and fluffy hair may require weekly combing to help remove matted hair and dirt, though the breed is fully capable of cleaning itself. Their American Shorthair heritage makes them good hunters and mousers specially when offered with treats and other incentives by their owners

Breeders are the only source of certified exotic shorthair kittens. Animal shelters may have adults up for adoption. Adopting an adult is a short process, which usually entails a couple of minutes of paperwork and payment of a standard fee. Obtaining kittens from breeders may take more time. Certification, pedigree and other paperwork may take a while to be processed. It is important to check if the breeder conducts Feline polycystic kidney disease tests on their cats. PKD is a common ailment found in Persian-derived breeds. This disorder can lead to eventual kidney failure. It is highly recommended to test exotic shorthair kittens for PKD. The exotic shorthair price ranges from $ 100 dollars or so for adults from animal shelters and up to $ 600 dollars for kittens from reputable breeders. Yearly maintenance costs for the exotic shorthair can reach $ 1000. These include medical check-ups, cat food costs and other miscellaneous expenditures.